Whiz Kids: Students In Monrovia High's Color Guard Are Champions

Who:  Monrovia High School Color Guard freshmen Marissa Atwater, Caylee Walker, Brittany Jara, Rosemary Olson Elizabeth Pierson, and Elyssa Santano; sophomore Micah Espiritu; juniors Khilyn Craig, Juliana Figueroa, Amy Santoyo, Itzel Tostado and Nicole Wells, Captain; and senior Alyssa Martin, Co-Captain.

Accomplishment:  The Monrovia High School Color Guard placed first in their division at the WGASC Championships.

Key To Awesomeness:  At the Winter Guard Association of Southern California Championships, which were held on April 16^th at Ocean View High School in Huntington Beach, the MHS Color Guard placed first in their division. Throughout the season, they perfected their moves under the leadership of band director Daniel Magallanes, coach Brian Nunez, and assistant coach Amber Null. At the championships, they performed a 3-to-4 minute routine choreographed by Nunez to the tune of Florence + The Machine’s "Dog Days Are Over."

The color guard rehearsed over spring break and performed with flags, rifles, and sabers. During the school day, they have class with Magallanes, and they also attend two three hour rehearsals after school every week. Because there was no money for new costumes, the group revised their outfits from a fall performance. At the championships, the elements they were judged on included: movement, general effectiveness of the show, use of equipment, and how well they worked together as an ensemble. The MHS Color Guard was one of 97 color guards in the Regional A Division.